Matt Cameron has officially bowed out of Pearl Jam after 27 years behind the kit. He announced his departure via a heartfelt message on Instagram.
Cameron noted that his time with the band was 'an incredible journey,' expressing love and respect for his bandmates. This includes frontman Eddie Vedder, guitarists Mike McCready and Stone Gossard, and bassist Jeff Ament, who welcomed him into the group in 1998.
Pearl Jam went through four drummers prior to finding the right fit with Matt Cameron. He certainly proved to be a fruitful addition to the band as they've been together for more than two decades.
Why Now? Speculations Point Towards Fatigue
Notably, neither Cameron nor band members disclosed reasons for his exit. However, clues are pointed towards fatigue.
Reddit fans have discussed that Cameron is not a 'hard hitter' anymore, and that he plays with a 'conservative' style. A person responded on the thread and shared an interview with Cameron that we'll leave below.
Apparently, Cameron has indeed changed his play style in recent years. He was working on 'not doing so much,' citing that he needed to be easier on his body due to age.
The Reddit thread was about a show played during a tour that persisted until May 2025. This followed Pearl Jam's 2024 album 'Dark Matter,' with commenters noting that it was certainly a grind.
Cameron ended the tour at 62 years old. If he decided to wrap it up, the tipping point for his decision this year is certainly understandable.
Band Response and What's Next
Pearl Jam had a touching message in response to Cameron's announcement, suggesting an amicable split. 'From being one of our first musical heroes in the bands Skinyard and the mighty Soundgarden, to playing on our first demos in 1990, Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer.'
They also added that he was an integral part of the band for the last 27 years. 'It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always. He will be deeply missed and is forever our friend in art and music. We love you Matt.'
Pearl Jam has yet to formally announce a new drummer to fill Cameron's shoes. However, fans are already speculating that Dave Krusen might return. He even commended his announcement post, saying he 'can't wait to hear' what Matt does next.
Matt Cameron's departure marks the end of an era and a monumental chapter in modern rock. He is widely beloved by the community and was a driving force in finding Pearl Jam's identity as a band.
While we can't ascertain if fatigue and age caught up to him, his decision to bid farewell were on his terms. Fans may feel a sense of loss with the news, but Cameron's legacy will resonate with the band forever.
Pearl Jam has yet to announce plans for moving forward, but Cameron's artistry will serve as the benchmark for their sound. Cameron himself hinted at future updates, saying that there was 'more to follow.'
